Fractional CO2 Resurfacing

How to prepare for Fractional CO2 Resurfacing Procedure:

• Please try to stay as hydrated as possible. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your treatment to aid in the healing process. We recommend a gallon a day.
• Discontinue any prescribed topical medications such as tretinoin, Retin-A, etc. 2 days prior to your procedure.
• Avoid alcohol 2 days prior to your procedure.
• If you smoke, smoking should be discontinued and hopefully not resumed, but if so, not until healing is complete.
• Avoid facial waxing 3 weeks prior to procedure.
• Avoid chemical peeling or microdermabrasion procedures 3 weeks prior to procedure.
• Avoid tanning and wear a sunblock daily 3 weeks prior to procedure.
• Please take the medications that were prescribed to you during the consult how instructed. Following a quick reference guide for the medication that you were prescribed:

What to expect the day of the Fractional C02 Resurfacing procedure:

You will experience a burning sensation on the skin that will last between 30 minutes and up to 3-4 hours following your treatment on the first day. Please apply Vaseline or Aquaphor every 2 hours.

The day of the procedure (aquaphor) will be applied to the face, no bandages or wraps are necessary.

What to expect after the procedure:

Immediately after the treatment, most patients will experience a clinical end point of erythema (redness) for 1-3 days however more aggressive treatments may last longer. Slight to moderate edema (swelling) and a mild to moderate sunburn sensation are also common post treatment and may last 1-3 days. After the second day, your skin will appear as an exaggerated tan. It will begin to flake at 5-7 days on the face and neck; 7-10 days for the chest; and 10-14 days for the hands. You will be experiencing some itching as a part of the natural healing process.

How to take care of treated area

For the next ten days you will need to do White Vinegar soaks e (antiseptic, helps prevent infection) starting day after procedure. Patient will do vinegar soaks starting tomorrow. Patient will mix one teaspoon of white vinegar to one cup of cool water. Patient will use the entire solution on the face. Patient will then rinse the face with water. Face will be dry, then apply mupirocin ointment followed by Aquaphor to the area treated. Patient will do this vinegar soak program four times a day and apply Aquaphor multiple times per day. Patient will not wear makeup or sunscreen at this time.

Apply a generous coat Aquaphor.

You can use ice packs wrap with cloth. Do not apply ice pack directly on the skin.

There are no restrictions on bathing except to treat the skin gently, avoid scrubbing or trauma to the treated area, as if you had sunburn. Use mild cleanser like Cerave or Cetaphil.

Avoid sun exposure to reduce the chance of hyperpigmentation (darker pigmentation). Use a hat and sunglasses. Your skin is extremely vulnerable to the sun after having a laser treatment.

Rest. Avoid strenuous exercise, bending, straining, stooping or lifting heavy objects for 1 week after procedure. These activities may cause more swelling and pain on your face and slow down your recovery.
Sleep at a slightly elevated position. Use 2-3 pillows under your head & neck or sleep a few nights in a reclining chair.

Special instructions for Eye Area: Treatment to the upper eye lids may result in swelling and create a slight squint. Redness may persist for up to 2-4 weeks.
Lubricating the eye with drops (i.e. artificial tears) will help to decrease the dryness of your eyes.

Take medications as instructed.

Call the office immediately if problems of increased pain, fever, drainage of pus, signs of infection or bleeding occur.

Please contact our office at, 520-618-0232, if you have any questions or concerns.